Italian-American scholarship winners
Crowley
Seraly
Woytovich
Fisher
Spinabelli
Baker
Silbaugh
Miller
Tetino
The Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington County has announced this year’s scholarship winners. The scholarships, $2,500 each, are based on an essay expressing their insights as a member of an Italian family, high academic achievement with at least a 3.5 GPA in college-bound curriculum, participation and evidence of leadership in cocurricular activities and a strong recommendation by a school staff member or official. The recipients are:
She is described by her high school counselor as being one of the top scholars, one of the greatest volunteers, one of the greatest leaders and an all-around outstanding young woman. Natalie is fifth in her class of 119 students. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Calculus Club, Student Council, SADD Astronomy Club, and Executive Committee. She participates in soccer and cheerleading and has volunteered for Relay for Life. She has also received the American Legion Award and has been nominated for Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Residing in Monongahela, Natalie is the daughter of Norman Baker (Baccari) and Patricia Cardinale Baker.
Robin for first in her class of 251 students, has challenged herself with a full complement of Advanced Placement courses. Robin is a member of the National Honor Society, District Orchestra, French Honor Society, Chemistry Club, Band and Teen Citizens Advisory Board. She has received the AP Scholar Award, won Creative Communications Poetry Contest, is orchestra concertmaster (violin), participated in American Mathematics Contest and Science Olympiad, and is a Pulsar search collaborator. Robin also serves as a Citizens Library volunteer. Robin’s parents are Robert and Connie Crowley.
He ranks first in his class of 86 students. He has pursued a rigorous program of studies through the College in High School dual enrollment program. Brian is a captain of the basketball, baseball and soccer teams, and was selected to the all-section team for basketball. Brian also participated in the Presidential Election Debate Team, Leo Club and was a Model UN Member. He has participated in the Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon, American Diabetes Walk-A-Thon, and Salvation Army Food Drive. Brian has also shown great initiative by holding jobs as a construction and kitchen worker. Brian is the son of Kevin and Debra Carnello Fisher of Coal Center.
He is tied first in his class of 215 students, with a 4.75 GPA, while challenging himself with a wide array of AP courses. Berton is a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society, and serves as class treasurer. He is also responsible for having designed, marketed and sold the “Towel of Trinity,” a virtual business project, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. The department head of the business technology department considers Berton to be an energetic and enthusiastic young man willing to help his fellow classmates through cooperative learning. Brian is the son of James and Terri Difilippo Miller.
She has maintained a 4.25 GPA while enrolled in an academic program of honors and AP classes. Silvia has been recognized for her outstanding performance in soccer, contributing to the team’s success in winning three consecutive PIAA class AAA titles. Silvia is a member of the Student Council, SADD and Spanish Club. She has been a mentor for a foreign exchange student from Chile. Silvia served as a counselor during the MS Summer Camp and a teacher aide at Noah’s Ark Preschool. She has received special distinction with her work with the Mahatma Project. Silvia’s parents are Mark and Loretta Graziani Seraly of Venetia.
She ranked second in her class of 111, with a 4.74 GPA. Kerri has been enrolled in a full complement of honors and AP classes. Kerri is a member of the Key Club, Spanish Club, SADD, Student Council, National Honor Society and Peer Jury. She also received the Rachel Carson Book Award, given to the student who shows promise in the study of science or English, along with a passion in making a difference. Since 2009, Kerri has served as a volunteer at Humbert Lane Nursing Home. As stated by one of her teachers, Kerry places herself in the small group of fellow students who are always asking the question “Is there anything else that I could do?” Kerri is the daughter of Douglas and Cathy Lucero Silbaugh of Washington.
She maintains a 4.58 GPA while being enrolled in honors and AP classes. Lindsay is an officer in SADD and the Video Club, president of the National Honor Society, as well as a member of Thespian Troup, and Gathering Committee. She is a cheerleader. Lindsay has performed volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, Family Promise, Youth Ministry, Greater Washington County Food Bank, Campus Connections, St. Benedict the Abbot Youth Ministry and PT Community Television. Lindsay resides in Venetia with her parents Lodovido and Mary Cavaliere Spinabelli.
With a 4.3 GPA, she ranks fourth in her class of 344, while carrying a full load of honors and AP courses. She is senior class treasurer, member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society and French Club. With 15 years as a dancer, she also finds time to work at Wade Academy Daycare, Casciola Twin Twist and Diner and Sorelle Bridal Salon. Her social studies teacher and student class advisor characterizes Isabela as an excellent student with great study habits. Isabela is the daughter of Steve and Karen Deluca Tetino.
He ranks fourth in his class of 119 students with a 4.42 GPA while enrolled in a challenging AP curriculum. Mitchell is a member of the National Honor Society and FBLA. He participates in soccer, football and track. He has been recognized by the National Society of High School Scholars, is a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassador, and attended the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute and Naval Academy summer seminar. He has served as Relay for Life co-chairman. Mitchell has been a dishwasher and busboy, as well as an assistant computer technician at Larcom Systems. Mitchell’s Spanish teacher characterizes him as being mature, well-organized, and motivated with attributes that make him a leader. Mitchell is the son of Edwin and Marie Peckyno Woytovich of Charleroi.
With this year’s awards, the organization has awarded 140 scholarships to Washington County residents since 1992. Awardees will be honored at a dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe May 19, along with this year’s uutstanding Italian-American honoree. Tickets are available by calling Jack Barcelona at 724-745-9500, ext. 100.